There’s a new restaurant eager to open its doors soon.

Local chefs Mat Cable and Devon Sanner just announced their new restaurant Zio Peppe, which is set to take over the spot at 6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Zio Peppe will soon reveal its packed menu of Italian and Italian-American cuisine — containing distinct influences of Tucson that any local will recognize.

The two have been renovating the space on the east side, constructing a new facade, fresh patio, and a unique look on the inside. One of the biggest changes to the space, which is near Sakura Teppan Steak & Sushi and across the street from Golf N’ Stuff, will be a gourmet casual menu of serious food that is simultaneously innovative and playful.

Once Zio Peppe opens its doors, which will be sometime this April, you’ll notice a wood-fired oven with a rotating stone hearth. It’ll be used for firing pizzas with an emphasis on house-made and locally-sourced top-quality ingredients.

Pizza lovers can expect to find Margherita Pizza, Tagliatelle Bolognese, and some “next-school” hits like Lasagne Sonorense with chorizo and red chile sauce and an Umami Tsunami Pizza with soy pickled shiitake mushrooms and goat horn peppers.

“I’m excited for a new challenge and doing a new style of pizza,” said Mat Cable.

Cable has been the owner of Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria since 2008 and First We Eat Catering and Confections since 2019. He is also a partner in Dante’s Fire, the house caterer for Z Mansion, and a two-term President of Tucson Originals.

Devon Sanner has spent the past 15 years cooking with Tucson culinary legend Janos Wilder, serving as chef at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails and The Carriage House.

When asked about his view of the new collaboration, Sanner expects it to be fun. “A culinary ‘funcle’ — a fun uncle that is warm, hospitable, and entertaining, and just a little bit cheeky, too,” said Sanner.

Zio Peppe is located at 6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd. For more information and any updates on the grand opening, visit ziopeppeaz.com.